Humanin, a Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide Released by Astrocytes, Prevents Synapse Loss in Hippocampal Neurons

ZÁRATE, SANDRA CRISTINA; TRAETTA, MARIANELA EVELYN; CODAGNONE, MARTÍN GABRIEL; SEILICOVICH, ADRIANA; REINÉS, ANALÍA GABRIELA

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

Frontiers

Año: 2019 vol. 11

Humanin expression was lower in the hippocampus of ovariectomized rats and itsimmunoreactivity colocalized with astroglial markers. Chronic ovariectomy also promoted the presence of less complex astrocytes in this area. Ovarian hormones increased humanin intracellular content and release by cultured astrocytes. Humanin prevented glutamate-induced dendritic atrophy and reduction in puncta number and total puncta area for pre-synaptic marker synaptophysin in cultured hippocampal neurons. In conclusion, astroglial functional and morphological alterations induced by chronic ovariectomy resemble an aging phenotype and could affect astroglial support to neuronal function by altering synaptic connectivity and functionality. Reduced astroglial-derived humanin may represent an underlying mechanism for synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline after menopause.